The Great White Way is a section of Broadway in New York City known for its many theaters and live performances. It is famous for its musicals, and visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions such as museums and Times Square. The term “Great White Way” comes from the bright white lights used to advertise productions. Advance booking is recommended for most shows.
The Great White Way is a section of Broadway Avenue in New York City, famous for hosting numerous theaters. It is widely regarded as the home of live theater in the United States, just as Hollywood is the center of film and television production and is famous throughout the world. Visitors to New York City may choose to carve out time to catch one or more shows at one of the many theaters along the Great White Way and surrounding areas.
This stretch of Broadway runs from 42nd to 53rd Streets. There are actually relatively few theaters on Broadway itself, with most located on the immediately adjacent streets. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Great White Way is centrally located near a number of other attractions including museums and Times Square, a popular location and popular tourist destination in New York City.
New York City’s theatrical tradition dates back to the 1800s. Theater-goers in the United States were once a rowdy bunch, disrupting performances and occasionally rioting if the productions didn’t suit their tastes. New York City’s Theater District is particularly famous for its musicals, and the history of campy melodrama and musical productions in the United States is almost as old as the Great White Way itself. Events such as the Tony Awards recognizing famous artists are usually held in venues near the Great White Way, such as Radio City Music Hall.
The origins of the term “Great White Way” are usually attributed to the fact that this region of New York City was one of the first areas to be electrified, and numerous theaters used bright white lights to advertise their productions and other events. The term is commonly attributed to a review in a 1902 edition of the New York Evening Telegram, one of many newspapers that thrived in New York around the turn of the 20th century.
New York City visitors can see a number of sites along the Great White Way during the day and can visit theaters to arrange tickets if they haven’t already reserved tickets by phone or online. Advance booking is highly recommended for most productions to guarantee seats and have an opportunity to get the best seats possible. Prices vary depending on the theater and production, and travel agents can sometimes arrange special deals for their clients, as can some hotels.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN